After 15 years, Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 announced
Seattle is the setting for the long-teased, much anticipated return to the World of Darkness for the sequel to the 15-year old, highly-rated Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines action role-player.
The writer of the original, Brian Mitsoda, has been retained for the sequel, something he had been looking forward to doing:
When Paradox announced they were acquiring the World of Darkness [intellectual property], I immediately started thinking about what it would be like to return to Vampire: The Masquerade. Our aim has been to carry on the signature themes that made Bloodlines unique - particularly its dark tone, atmosphere, and humor - and I think that fans of the original will love what we’re doing with Bloodlines2.
Here's the marketing spiel:
Created in an act of vampire insurrection, your existence ignites a blood war among the vampire factions who run Seattle. To survive, you’ll choose a clan and enter into uneasy alliances with the competing factions in a world which will react to every choice you make.
Unleash your supernatural powers against your prey, but be mindful of your surroundings at all times or run the risk of breaking the Masquerade–the absolute law of secrecy that keeps Vampire society hidden from humanity.
You’ll stalk the city streets for prey, manoeuvre complex political relationships, and balance your need for blood against your withering humanity. Bloodlines 2 will provide you the choice of a number of clans, with more clans added to the game post-launch free of charge.
Become the Ultimate Vampire
Immerse yourself in the World of Darkness and live out your vampire fantasy in a city filled with intriguing characters that react to your choices. You and your unique disciplines are a weapon in a forward-driving, fast-moving, melee-focussed combat system. Your power will grow as you advance, but remember to uphold the Masquerade and guard your humanity... or face the consequences.
Descend into Seattle’s Dark Heart and Survive the Vampire Elite
Seattle has always been run by vampires. Hunt your prey across Seattle locations faithfully reimagined in the World of Darkness. Meet the old blood founders present since the city’s birth and the new blood steering the tech money redefining the city. Everyone has hidden agendas - so choose your allies wisely.
Enter into Uneasy Alliances
Choose a side among competing factions, each with their own unique traits and stories, in the war for Seattle’s blood trade. The world will judge you by the company you keep, but remember no one’s hands stay clean forever.
Experience the Story
Written by the creative mind behind the original Bloodlines, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 brings the ambitions of the first to life and sees the return of a few fan favourite characters.
Release Info
Other than the "1st Quarter, 2020" indication, there is no specific release date for Bloodlines 2 yet. Based on the announcement video, the materials released on the game's website, and the opening of PC digital version pre-orders though, it looks like development of the game is progressing well.
There will be three editions of the the game: The Standard Edition, The Deluxe "Unsanctioned" Edition, and The Premium "Blood Moon" Edition.
The game will be released on Windows PC, XBox One, and PS4.
Pre-Order details and price comparison for Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2
While console and physical retail pre-order info is "coming later", the release announcement was made simultaneously with store pages for the game on Steam, Epic Games, GOG, and Paradox Interactive itself.
Having a variety of store options are good, but be aware that of those four stores, only Steam and Epic Games apply regional pricing for South African gamers.
Of the two that apply regional pricing for South Africa, Steam is presently the slightly more affordable option as they price in Rand, while Epic still prices in US Dollar. As a result, even Steam's price for the Premium Edition is very good, coming in at under R500.
Steam | Epic | GOG & Paradox | |
---|---|---|---|
Standard | R329 | $23.99 | $59.99 |
Deluxe | R379 | $26.99 | $69.99 |
Premium | R489 | $34.99 | $89.99 |
All Pre-Orders, regardless of version receive the First Blood pre-order pack:
Deluxe and Premium orders receive the Unsanctioned Blood Pack:
Premium Edition orders also receive the first Season Pass included.